Georgia Governor Announces Plans for Teen Driver Advisory Panel

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal announced Sept. 10 that he's forming a Governor's Commission on Teen Driving. Gov. Deal plans on turning to our youngest drivers for advice on how to reduce the number of crashes among teens.

Most people like the idea of teens educating teens.

"Most teens relate to other teens and they might not acknowledge the fact that their parents and teachers and adults are trying to reach out to them. The might just blow it off," said Courtney Thomas, a senior at Thomas County Central High School.

Thomas County Sheriff Steve Jones added, "Who better to influence teens than teenagers? Who knows more about their habits and what's going to motivate them than other teens? I think it's a great idea."

The Commission will be made up of members ages 15 to 19. They'll work together to prepare a report, advising the governor on innovative ways to educate their peers on the dangers of distracted driving.

It's an issue local high school students already feel passionate about..

"Two weeks ago my cousin fractured his vertebrae and had a major concussion due to texting and driving," said Zachary Sheeler, a senior at Thomas County Central High. "It's just not worth it; it really isn't."

Thomas added, "Every time I'm in the car with my friends or my cousins, I make sure that they aren't texting because I wouldn't want one of us to lose our life because of a text that might not be that important."

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